Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?

Every surgery has its risks. Dr. Edmund Kwan likes to ensure that every patient is sufficiently educated on the potential risks and complications involved in the surgery. The tummy tuck is a fairly major surgery in the spectrum of surgeries. It can be done very safely, but the tummy tuck involves making an incision in the lower belly. Bleeding is a possibility in this type of operation, but this is usually not a problem with experienced surgeons.

During surgery, a complete state of "hemostasis" is important, which means having a complete control over bleeding to have minimum complications. Infections are rare in the tummy tuck surgery, but the possibility cannot be ruled out. Other very rare complications include pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that can end up in the lungs, leading to serious problems. This risk tends to be much lower if the surgery time is limited. Patients must stop smoking a few days before undergoing this procedure so that the lungs are sufficiently clear at the time of surgery.

The risk of blood clots is rare, but an experienced surgeon will carefully study the medical history of the patient prior to surgery to determine whether the patient is at an increased risk of developing blood clots. If the patient is undergoing medication for hormone replacement or some types of cancer treatments, it may pose a risk of blood clots following the surgery.

The risk of infections can be minimized if the tummy tuck is performed at a sterile, well-equipped facility under the supervision of an experienced and reputed surgeon. Following the surgery, it is up to the patient to follow the instructions of the surgeon and take precautions against the risk of developing infections in the wounds, especially at the time of removing or changing bandages. The healing process may be slower in some patients, so it is important to observe all precautions against infections until the wounds are fully healed.

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Rating: 5 Edmund Kwan, M.D.
Dr. Kwan is by far the most talented surgeon I have EVER crossed paths with. I came to Dr. Kwan after an under eye fat transplant, performed 'by another' plastic surgeon, which deformed my face. It was only until I was under Dr.Kwan's care that the deformity was corrected. Dr. Kwan literally gave me back my beauty. This was a priceless feeling. That was about 4 years ago, I can assure you ever since- Dr. Kwan is the ONLY plastic surgeon I trust my face and body to. I look forward to my body contouring procedure coming up in a few weeks!! :)
Reviewed by Tina R.

Rating: 5
The staff treated me very kindly, with respect and genuine smiles. Dr Kwan is a real professional in my opinion. He took the time to listen to my story, addressed my concerns and took his time to walk me through the process and give me his opinion and explanation on his recommendation. I had my surgery in his practice and we went over everything again before I met up with the anesthesiologist, who was equally as nice and professional as everyone else at his practice. We started counting bikes ... and after bike #6 I fell a sleep. When I woke up, he was there to tell me I did great and before I knew it I was in a taxi cab back home with my best friend who came to pick me up. So I don't know if this is typical, but I had no pain whatsoever after the surgery. . I am very very happy with the results. Dr Kwan did an amazing job and I couldn't be more pleased.
Mascha N.

Rating: 5
I was invovled in an automobile accident last May, 2013. The outcome from the emergency room left me with 5 stitches on the bridge of my nose, and the tip of my nose was missing due to the severe impact of the accident. I called and scheduled an appointment to visit Dr. Kwan so he could assess my nose. Upon arriving to the office, I was immediately impressed with the facility, service, and profesionalism of his staff. Dr. Kwan met with me and examined my nose and in detail, he explained the approach he would take in order to get my nose like brand new again.On the day of my surgery, I was met by Dr Kwan, who performed the surgery, himself. His Anestigeologist was very informative and professional as well. The outcome of Phase 1 was a success. In addition to that, the staff even called my medication into the pharmacy that way it would be ready as soon as I left the office. My nose is 98% back to normal, I now look forward to Phase 2 to be completed. After that procedure is done I am positive my nose will look absolutely perfect and I will be back to my confident self again. Thanks Dr Kwan and Staff.
Rocky P.

Rating: 5
I have had several surgeries with Dr Kwan, and would recommend him highly. Liposuction of abdomen and love handles came out smooth. Upper eyelids look younger and refreshed, and the Basal Cell Cancer he cut out of my nose is not even visible, despite the fact that it was right along the rim of my left nostril.
Glenn C.

Rating: 5
I have been using Dr Kwan for over 10 years now. I have had many different procedures and all of them have turned out great. One of the breast augmentations had a crimp in the left breast and he had no problem going in to revise it to assure my satisfaction. I have always liked the way he answers each of my concerns and we go over everything for each procedure I've done several times to assure we are on the same page :) Take a list of any questions or concerns an I guarantee you will love your results no matter what procedure he is doing for you! .
T. Cannon